After 21 years with TCS (Tri-State Cinema
Society) and nearly 15 with FMC (Film Movement Club), it is
finally time to retire and let a new generation breathe some
fresh air in.Lack
of attendance recently and my age are the main factors.In the beginning, we drew 40+ people on a few occasions.
The prior decade attendance varied between 15-20. This past year
was down to 5 or 10 and in recent months below that.Since interest has decreased, it seems like it is time to
end.

Foreign films have always required an extra
dedication to be willing to read subtitles at the bottom of a
screen.When we
started TCS in 1995, there were few sources for international
cinema.Even video
stores had limited selections.Now you can get almost any title streamed directly to
your home or other devices through Amazon, HBO, Hulu, Netflix or
Showtime etc.A
cornucopia of choice is instantly at your fingertips.

A special “Thank You” to the staff of EVPL
(Evansville Public Library) for their dedication and long time
support of this series.EVPL has nearly 180 FMC titles in their collection.They acquired two copies of each DVD (Central and 1 other
branch) and secured a license permit for public viewing legally.The quality of FMC titles has increased in recent years
with more recognizable directors and stars.Their scripts are always unpredictable -with unique
stories.Film is a
universal language that transcends borders or political
boundaries and shows us life in other cultures.Like many of you, film viewing has been a lifelong
passion for me and I hope I brought some insight to them.

Thank you to David Long for recruiting us to host
nearly a dozen years ago.A special thanks to Darren Willett for his technical
support from the beginning and helping us to over come any
glitches, most recently that task fell to Lewis.Another thanks to Chip Lannert and Kaitlin Conner for
coordinating and securing the titles through the Media
Department until our public viewing.

I’ve enjoyed the post film discussion –the main
reason for our involvement.I’ve tried to make it a little extra special with our
cultural corner –pointing out other local films, concerts, plays
and TV shows we thought you might find of interest.A special treat for me was to have the previews and
“arty” shorts before the main screening.I tried to take us back to what going to the movies was
like for us as kids –A cartoon, preview of coming attractions
and a cliff hanger or two etc.

Thanks to all who attended over these past years
–some from the very start.I have enjoyed talking “cinema art” with you the past 20+
years.